History of The Ayatollah (football celebration) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2026

The Ayatollah is a celebratory gesture performed by Cardiff City football fans, sometimes accompanied by a chant encouraging others to 'do the Ayatollah'. It's a unique tradition associated with the club and its supporters.

September 1990: Origin of The Ayatollah Celebration

In September 1990, the Ayatollah celebration began at Cardiff City games, originating from the Welsh punk group U Thant. The first performance by Cardiff City fans took place on 15 September 1990 at Lincoln City's home ground, Sincil Bank, a day after U Thant's gig at Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre. The movement was inspired by televised footage of Ayatollah Khomeini's funeral.

1992: Popularity Growth of The Ayatollah

In 1992, away games at Hereford United and Peterborough United helped solidify the Ayatollah's popularity and cemented its place in the repertoire of Cardiff City fans.

1999: Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey Fans Celebrate Play-off Championship with the Ayatollah

In 1999, ice hockey fans of the Cardiff Devils performed the Ayatollah when their team won the Play-off Championship.

2002: Controversy Surrounding Sam Hammam's Ayatollah Celebration

In 2002, former Cardiff City chairman Sam Hammam's performance of the Ayatollah celebration, particularly after a 2–1 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup, garnered national attention and criticism. The event, following crowd trouble, drew condemnation from Leeds manager David O'Leary, the Football Association, and a BBC undercover report.

2005: Simon Jones Performs the Ayatollah during the Ashes Series

In 2005, the cricketer Simon Jones used the Ayatollah celebration after taking the wicket of Simon Katich during the Ashes series.

2006: David Davies Performs the Ayatollah at the Commonwealth Games

In 2006, the swimmer David Davies performed the Ayatollah on the podium while receiving his medal at the Commonwealth Games.

2008: David Davies Performs the Ayatollah at the Olympics

In 2008, the swimmer David Davies performed the Ayatollah on the podium while receiving his medal at the Olympics.

2008: Release of Ayatollah Songs for FA Cup Final

In 2008, two songs were written in support of Cardiff City before their appearance in the FA Cup Final. One song, named "Do The Ayatollah!", was released by a group of supporters, and another song with the same title was written by the club's player, Steve Thompson.

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2010: David Vaughan Performs the Ayatollah on Big Brother

In 2010, Big Brother housemate and Cardiff supporter David Vaughan frequently performed the Ayatollah after winning tasks in the house.

November 2013: Aaron Ramsey Performs The Ayatollah

In November 2013, during a Premier League match, Arsenal's former Cardiff player, Aaron Ramsey, performed the Ayatollah celebration after scoring his second goal against Cardiff City, as a sign of respect for his former club.

March 2014: Joe Ledley Performs the Ayatollah at the Liberty Stadium

On 2 March 2014, former Cardiff player Joe Ledley performed the Ayatollah while celebrating Crystal Palace's late won point at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City.

February 2017: Cameron Jerome Celebrates with the Ayatollah against Cardiff City

On 4 February 2017, Cameron Jerome celebrated his goal in a 1–0 victory for Norwich against Cardiff City by performing the Ayatollah.

August 2021: Oumar Niasse Wins Ayatollah Celebration Competition

In August 2021, Oumar Niasse won a competition run by CardiffCityForum.com to find the best Ayatollah celebration carried out by former and current players, coaches and managers, beating Aaron Ramsey in the final with 74.2% of the vote. Woody, a Cardiff City fan, devised and ran the competition, also designing and creating the trophy using a 3D Printer.